As a traveler, I like the Whangarei district in New Zealand. I’ve covered the best visiting places in Whangarei. I can’t think of anything that hasn’t been done at least once in Whangarei. It’s an excellent place for doing something, as you can find here. The weather probably won’t interfere with your plans for things to do in Whangarei either. Well, sometimes it rains, but then it cools off and becomes this perfect time to do more than one thing you had planned—things to do in Whangarei with kids.
- Things to do with your partner
- Things to do with your toddler
- Things to do when it’s raining in Whangarei Takeaway: There are many things to do around the Northland Region.
- Things to do in Whangarei in winter
The ever-popular Whangarei is located in the Northland Region of New Zealand. It’s a city that has been thriving for more than 120 years. The population is around 46,000, and the city has an area of about 585km2 (226mi2).
One of New Zealand’s most beautiful cities, Wellington, Whangarei was named by the famous explorer Kupe back in 900AD. He named it after his grandson called Wanga and the native word Rere which means wild dog. The city itself is located at the mouth of the Oruawharo River. It is surrounded by fertile land with rich volcanic soils. It’s located right on the ocean, and there are plenty of beaches all around.
The first European settlers arrived here in 1844 and named it ‘Finegand’ after a Scottish town. In 1850 it was renamed ‘Whangarei’ after another Scottish town. If you love nature, then you’ll be impressed with what you see here in Whangarei. The famous Torlesse Forest Park covers a vast area and plenty of hiking trails. You’ll enjoy walking or running through this park, where you can see native trees and animals, including kiwis, bats, and. Many.
A drive through the countryside, and you’ll find a place to stop and smell the flowers, eat some ice cream or just enjoy the peace and quiet. Tours are available by the foot, bus, horse, or boat. There is plenty to do in Whangarei no matter what time of year.
Whether it’s a hike along a bush track or cycleway, a drive to the top of Mt Parihaka, or a cruise on the harbor, there’s something for everyone.
Best time to visit Whangarei, New Zealand
The most significant time to visit New Zealand is from December to March when the weather is warm, and the landscape is beautiful. Long, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 61°F to 75°F are expected. It’s a great time to explore the beautiful beaches or participate in various outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and hiking available in the area.
Whangarei’s weather is ideal for warm-weather tourists at this time of year. Between 23.7°C and 20.8°C is the average high temperature this time of year.
How to fly Whangarei, New Zealand
Flights from Auckland to Whangarei are offered by Air New Zealand daily, with connections throughout the New Zealand domestic network. All of our New Zealand domestic flights come with various fare options, including seat, seat+bag, flexichange, and flexirefund.
Best things to do in Whangarei, New Zealand
01 Whangarei Falls
Whangarei Falls is a beautiful waterfall that allows you to walk on the waterfall itself. It has water skiing opportunities as well. It is located in Northland, close to Whangarei City. Because of its breathtaking beauty, this is one of the most popular tourist sites in the area. The place can get pretty crowded during summertime, so be sure to come early to explore if you want to avoid the crowds.
02 Woolshed Show
The Woolshed Show in Mangawhai is a great place to go if you want to learn more about farming and agriculture. Every year in May, this exhibition takes place, and it’s a terrific opportunity for family and friends to spend time together. You may watch sheep shearing events and see animal presentations. While enjoying the activities, there are various food stalls to obtain refreshments or lunch. Here is the place to just go.
03 The Kiwi House
Head out to the Kiwi House in Whangarei, North, if you’re searching for a pleasant way to spend the day with your kids.
New Zealand’s third-largest city is an excellent base to explore the Bay of Islands and the Hokianga. The city offers a relaxed pace of life, with a lively arts scene and unspoiled natural surroundings.
The Whangarei i-SITE Visitor Centre has brochures for self-guided walking tours and guided tours run by the local i-SITE Visitor Centre staff. A variety of outstanding local tour companies provide guided walks in and around the city.
kiwi house official website: kiwihouse.org.nz
Suggested Trailoka: 15 Best visiting & relaxing places in New Zealand
04 Guided walks
The local i-SITE Visitor Centre has a range of guided walking tours led by local experts. The tours cover historic buildings and sites, significant architecture and parks, gardens, arts and crafts, flora and fauna, food trails, and more. Most walks last around two hours.
05 Guided harbor tour
A one-hour tour of the inner harbor onboard the historic fishing boat “Norns Revenge.” The boat departs from the wharf behind the Canopy Hotel.
Guided wine tasting One-hour wine tasting tour of three award-winning Marlborough wineries by luxury coach with gourmet lunch at Northburn Station in Waiharara Valley.
This is my first time in New Zealand, and it’s been fantastic. I’m doing a tour of the north island, and Whangarei is the last stop on my tour before heading south. It’s been raining here nearly every day, which is a shame because there are many touristy things to do around town. However, there are a few incredible places to stay indoors and out of the weather while I’m here, which means no one can stop me from doing a few things to do in Whangarei!
So, we hope you enjoyed our list of Whangarei attractions. I love this little town and all the hidden gems it offers. I hope you do too.
Take only memories, leave only footprints